ST. PAUL — Gambling opponents are asking state lawmakers to prevent the Minnesota Lottery from launching an online scratch game — or electronic instant ticket.

The paper version of the scratch-off games have been around since 1990. But, the idea of letting people scratch away with a computer mouse online with real money has brought a coalition of gambling opponents together to try to block the virtual game.

Opponents include the Minnesota Family Council, Freedom Foundation and Citizens Against Gambling Expansion. They contend the lottery shouldn’t be allowed to launch the new electronic instant tickets without legislative approval.

Lottery director Ed Van Petten says losses on the subscription website are limited to $50 a week and that rule will also apply to the scratch-offs. Van Petten predicts most players will prefer the traditional paper scratch-off tickets.